SUMMARY: Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription medications, but not everyone is aware that these drugs can create additional issues.

Posted: July 23, 2013

If you are taking a prescription medication, you may notice that your mouth feels a bit sticky. According to a survey conducted by Wakefield Research, many Americans are unaware that they can treat this uncomfortable side effect with over-the-counter and online healthcare products. While dry mouth may not seem like a major health issue, it can wreak havoc on your oral health and cause bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.

Survey says … The survey, which questioned 1,040 Americans, found that 52 percent of people who are currently taking a prescription medication ceased use or considered doing so because of side effects such as dry mouth. In fact, 21 percent of those surveyed said that dry mouth was the No. 1 reason why they stopped taking medication. And unfortunately, a number of medications do have dry mouth as a side effect. Antidepressants, anti?-anxiety meds, antihistamines, antipsychotics as well as medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol are known to cause dry mouth.

"We want you to ask us about medication side effects and what to do if you experience them," said Pamala S. Marquess, president of the Georgia Pharmacy Association, said. "Our job is to also let you to know what side effects you may experience with your medication and counsel you to use the correct product for your level of severity. For example, dry mouth is a very common side effect, so it's important to treat its symptoms to avoid creating other medical issues."

Dry mouth increases the risk of needing cavity treatments by three times because your saliva is a natural protective layer that rinses away bacteria known to cause issues in the mouth. Unfortunately, 68 percent of those surveyed weren't aware that dry mouth is a predecessor for cavities. Approximately one in four adults are affected by dry mouth, which is likely because 50 percent of Americans are on at least one prescription drug. Out of the roughly 31 million Americans who experience dry mouth on a regular basis, 11 million of them suffer from the issue because of medications.

There are even a number of people who are unaware that they are suffering from dry mouth. How do you know? If you take one or more medications each day, find yourself needing to get out of bed each night to drink water or frequently reach for a sip while talking with others, you may be experiencing dry mouth. If you have difficulty eating food without having a drink of water nearby, this can also be a sign of dry mouth.

What else can you do To battle dry mouth that you're experiencing from medication, TheraBreath products can be a natural solution. There are a number of products available that help to moisten the mouth, freshen the breath and reduce the amount of bacteria that accumulate at the back of the throat. Try the TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse, one of the most popular items available, to get rid of any metallic taste and remedy dry mouth. Unlike other mouth rinses on the market, this wash doesn't contain alcohol, which dries the mouth out even more.

In addition to using an alcohol-free mouthwash made with healthier ingredients, you should make sure to drink a lot of water and eat fresh fruits and vegetables that contain a high level of fluids. Both of these everyday solutions can help along the way to keep your breath feeling fresh and mouth moist.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please Note: The material on this site is provided for informational purposes only. Always consult your health care professional before beginning any new therapy.